Kenya Secondary Schools Head Association (KSSHA) has issued a warning that children might be sent home for an early mid-term break due to a severe lack of funds to sustain school operations. This alarming announcement comes despite assurances from the government that the promised funds will be released, albeit without specifying exact dates.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has firmly stated that no school will close early due to funding issues. Speaking recently in Migori County, Machogu assured that the capitation for the current term would be distributed “in due course,” although he did not provide a definitive timeline for the disbursement.
The current funding shortfall has left many schools grappling with substantial debts, struggling to provide basic necessities for students. KSSHA has underscored the urgency of the situation, highlighting that without immediate financial support, schools will not be able to continue their operations, thereby necessitating an early mid-term break.
The government’s funding strategy typically involves disbursing capitation in stages throughout the academic year. For the first term, the government is expected to release 50 percent of the total annual capitation. For the second term, schools receive 30 percent, with the remaining 20 percent allocated for the third term, which is the shortest and involves fewer activities.
Despite Machogu’s reassurances that the government had already met its 50 percent obligation for the first term and that the 30 percent share for the second term was forthcoming, the lack of a precise date for the funds’ arrival has exacerbated the financial strain on schools.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire as schools report mounting debts and insufficient resources to sustain their operations. KSSHA’s warning indicates a critical juncture, with the potential early mid-term break looming as a tangible response to the unresolved funding issues.
In conclusion, the standoff between the government and school heads highlights the need for timely financial interventions to prevent disruption in the academic calendar. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting concrete actions to ensure the continuity of education for Kenya’s secondary school students.
